Table 4

The frequency of ethical dilemmas noted in the last week of hospitalisation

Ethical dilemmaNever happened N (%)Noted but not bothersome again N (%)Noted and still bothersome N (%)
Total patients: 246
Truth-telling204 (82.9)16 (6.5)26 (10.6)
Place of care189 (76.8)30 (12.2)27 (11.0)
Therapeutic strategy218 (88.6)17 (6.9)11 (4.5)
Hydration and nutrition216 (87.8)22 (8.9)8 (3.3)
Blood transfusion237 (96.3)8 (3.3)1 (0.4)
Alternative treatment239 (97.2)5 (2.0)2 (0.8)
Terminal sedation238 (96.8)4 (1.6)4 (1.6)
Use of medications219 (89.0)15 (6.1)12 (4.9)